“The momentum going into the debate was behind the Liberals, and I think Philippe Couillard​ … had the better night,” Hebert said.

Andrew Coyne said Marois looked “rattled” at times, as she defended herself from attacks from all three parties.

PQ Leader Pauline Marois was at the centre of attacks from the other three leaders during Thursday night's debate. (Ryan Remiorz/Canadian Press)

Coyne said the potential Quebec referendum — the most polarizing issue of the election — proved to be a stumbling block for Marois on Thursday night. The more Marois gives vague answers on when she would hold a referendum, Coyne said, the shakier the public’s view of her gets.

“Increasingly the issue for her is going to be trust,” Coyne said.

Bruce Anderson called it a “stimulating” debate, with four intelligent leaders all on top of their game.

“All four of them were really trying to score some points,” Anderson said, adding each leader also deftly managed to sidestep issues that had been damaging in the past.

Anderson agreed with Hebert that Couillard​ probably came out the winner, but suggested it will be a close race.

For more analysis of the Quebec campaign, watch the rest of the panel here.

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